Potassium is a mineral that aids in the function of all cells and organs; it is necessary for heart function and smooth muscle contraction. Excess potassium in the urine may simply indicate that the you have consumed large amounts of potassium,...
Potassium is an essential electrolyte that is needed for normal function of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system, according to the National Institutes of Health. Most people maintain a healthy balance of potassium in their...
Having a high potassium level is referred to as hyperkalemia and the condition is often caused by kidney problems, but other health complications can also contribute. The average potassium range is 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L; anything over 6.0 mEq/L is...
Potassium is an important mineral found in fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans and nuts. It plays several roles, but is most commonly known for its function as an electrolyte. While important, excessive potassium in the body causes a condition...
Potassium is an electrolyte involved in regulating nerve function and muscle contraction. Excess potassium in the blood, also referred to as hyperkalemia, may be caused by kidney disease, certain drugs and severe trauma. The MDGuidelines notes...
Fetal development requires a delicate balance between numerous nutrients and minerals. Potassium is one of the minerals that a developing child needs for muscle function, nerve signal transmission and other vital functions. However, too much...
Potassium is an important positively charged electrolyte found within cells. At a normal concentration, it allows the adequate functioning of the heart muscle by maintaining a regular heart rate and rhythm. Potassium is obtained in the diet;...
Excessive potassium in the blood can be life-threatening unless promptly treated. According to MedlinePlus, potassium regulates muscle function, digestion, metabolism and chemical balance throughout the body. Potassium that is too high can cause...
Found in everything from tap water to junk food, potassium is inescapable. Deficiencies are almost entirely unknown, outside of diseases such as anorexia or starvation. Too much potassium -- a state called hyperkalemia -- is a more common problem....
Potassium is an essential mineral that balances with the sodium in your body. It helps in maintaining water balance and serves as a conduit for electrical impulses from your central nervous system. Excessive amounts of potassium do not cause...
Potassium is a mineral that your body requires for good health. While deficiency of this mineral is more commonly associated with negative side effects, too much potassium in your diet can also be harmful to your health.
Potassium, a mineral as well as an electrolyte, controls muscle contraction and conduction of nerve impulses and plays a role in maintaining the pH of your blood. Most of the potassium in your body is contained inside your cells, with only a small...
Potassium is one of your body's key electrolytes. It is present in most foods and is important for many body processes. A balanced diet supplies all the potassium most people need, and its excretion by your kidneys normally prevents the buildup of...
The functioning of your body is critically dependent on the close regulation of potassium levels. Potassium is an essential mineral and an electrolyte. Potassium exists inside the cells of your body and outside, in the extracellular spaces. The...
Potassium is a required nutrient that keeps cells functioning properly and maintains digestive and muscular function. Potassium can also help regulate blood pressure, when prescribed by a doctor. In most cases, you'll get all the potassium you...
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends adults consume at least 2,000 mg of potassium each day to help keep their bodies in optimal condition. Despite the benefits of this nutrient, consuming large amounts of potassium-rich foods,...
Potassium is a dietary mineral that also serves as an electrolyte, which is capable of conducting electricity. Potassium supplements in the U.S. contain no more than 99 mg of potassium per tablet by law and are available in many different forms,...
Potassium is an electrically charged mineral, or electrolyte, that your body needs in certain amounts to support basic functions such as normal heart function, muscle contraction and transmission of signals inside your nervous system. You can...
Water retention, also called edema, is associated with many conditions, including a higher-than-normal potassium level and an intense exercise session. It is usually seen in your hands, feet, arms, ankles and legs. Edema sometimes indicates the...
Having depleted levels of potassium in your body is known as hypokalemia. It has a variety of causes, one of which is increased urination, and this can be the result of consuming an excessive amount of caffeine. Because caffeine acts as a...
Higher than average levels of potassium in the blood are referred to as hyperkalemia. This condition can occur due to a number of causes, including kidney disorders or dietary problems. Although potassium is extremely important for a number of...
Potassium is necessary for proper heart function, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and metabolism. Although you need a certain amount of potassium for good health, you can consume too much potassium if you take high doses of...
Because potassium plays a vital role in maintaining your heartbeat and nervous system function, your physician may recommend taking a potassium supplement if you are deficient in potassium. Just as too little potassium can be dangerous, too much...
The potassium in your blood helps control muscle contraction and nerve impulses. Normally, potassium falls between 3.6 and 4.8 mEq/L. A variety of conditions or lifestyle habits can cause a high level of potassium, medically referred to as...
Along with several other minerals, potassium helps conduct electricity in the body. It's essential for ensuring the muscles, including the heart and intestine, function properly. When potassium levels rise too high, though, a serious condition...
Potassium is an electrolyte needed to perform many bodily functions, including cell growth and the beating of the heart. Healthy potassium levels can be maintained by eating adequate amounts of the mineral in the diet. According to the American...
Potassium plays an important role in regulating muscle tissue and maintaining the balance of a variety of body processes. Too much or too little potassium affects the way your nerves and muscles function. In particular, excess potassium causes the...
"Jitters" describes a feeling of panic or extreme nervousness. This symptom also has the tendency to make you feel as if you are moving faster than usual -- the same feeling you might experience if you drank excess amounts of caffeine. While a...
Potassium is an essential nutrient responsible for body functions such as protein synthesis, muscle growth, heart activity and metabolism. Potassium is also responsible for electrolyte balance in the body. However, an excess amount of potassium in...
Electrolytes are solutions containing ions usually found in sports drinks that help maintain proper hydration during extreme physical activity. Try these tips for buying foods rich in electrolytes in this healthy shopping video.
Don't let a cramp put an end to your exercise workout. Learn what causes cramping and how to prevent it in this medical treatment video from a clinical dietician.
